as in to fumble
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
bungled the job the first time she tried to do it
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bungle
Mara Bovsun, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2025
In a late January letter to Hochul, Torres accused her of bungling oversight of New York’s early intervention program for toddlers with developmental disabilities such as autism and Down syndrome.
—David Mark, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
Yet cops and doctors still bungled the follow-up and compounded the survivor’s distress.
—Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
Gaga hasn’t released a pop album since 2020’s Chromatica, which saw its release strategy get bungled by the pandemic.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for bungle
Verb
Still, the robbery sent an Oklahoma sheriff’s posse and bloodhounds after these bungling desperados.
—Mara Bovsun, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2025
In a late January letter to Hochul, Torres accused her of bungling oversight of New York’s early intervention program for toddlers with developmental disabilities such as autism and Down syndrome.
—David Mark, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
Yet cops and doctors still bungled the follow-up and compounded the survivor’s distress.
—Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
Gaga hasn’t released a pop album since 2020’s Chromatica, which saw its release strategy get bungled by the pandemic.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for bungle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bungle
Verb
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During the Mets’ loss to the Marlins, Vientos was jogging to first base when Miami’s Graham Pauley fumbled the ball.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
2 Apr. 2025
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The characters in Megan Howell’s short stories, which glide into scenes of magical realism, are lonely people facing the harsh realities of an often violent world and fumbling toward something more hopeful.—
Emma Alpern,
Vulture,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Of the other methods – including electrocution, lethal gas and hanging – lethal injection had the highest botch rate of more than 7%. ‘An embrace of brutality’ Still, states have remained averse to the firing squad, a position that experts who spoke to CNN believe stems from its overt violence.—
Dakin Andone,
CNN Money,
10 Apr. 2025
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Braden Mann’s botch of the opening kickoff, Luke McCaffrey’s 47-yard return and Jeremiah Trotter Jr.’s unnecessary roughness penalty embodied the sloppy play that’s recently been awarding opponents advantageous field position.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
The Athletic,
26 Dec. 2024
Verb
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April 17, 2025 The wind gusts could blow around unsecured objects and a few power outages may occur, the National Weather Service advised.—
Ashley Fredde,
Idaho Statesman,
17 Apr. 2025
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Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Washington Commanders fans have not forgotten about Philadelphia mayor Cherelle Parker's spelling bobble last week.—
Joel Thayer,
Newsweek,
26 Jan. 2025
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Its circular design fits the decor perfectly while leaving room to prevent damage to any bobbles and accessories.—
Shea Simmons,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Justin Champagnie hit a 3-pointer, the Heat had a backcourt violation and then Carrington ruined Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s 40-point game by dropping this dagger on him.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
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However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Tanasia Kenney,
Miami Herald,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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And while the all-female crew aboard the Blue Origin’s Spaceflight has been dubbed historic, King’s longtime best friend, Oprah Winfrey, got emotional during take off.—
Sara Vallone,
Miami Herald,
14 Apr. 2025
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For the sake of clarity, this collection focuses specifically on the PlayStation versions of both games dubbed Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete and Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete.—
David Jagneaux,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bungle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bungle. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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